Status of cytokine and antigen presentation genes in Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin.
BACKGROUND
Merkel carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is an aggressive form of skin cancer, morphologically demonstrating both epithelial and neuroendocrine properties. However, little is known about its molecular characteristics.


OBJECTIVE
The aims of the study were to explore growth characteristics and immune responses of MCCs at the molecular level.


METHODS
A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was employed to study those parameters in biopsies of MCCs and their adjacent areas.


RESULTS
Analyzing mRNA levels of various epithelial genes (c-myc, cdc2 kinase, E2F, PCNA, p53, and RB, cytokeratins 5 and 10) we concluded that MCCs express markers of epithelial hyperproliferation together with markers of neuroendocrine differentiation (NSE). On the other hand, there is a lack of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-g) typical for a specific, T cell-mediated immune response in MCCs. However, several cytokines (e. g., IL-12) are produced that are required for the initial steps of that type of immune response.


CONCLUSIONS
The epithelial hyperproliferation and impaired local immune responses might contribute to the aggressive behaviour of the tumour.
Arany
I
I
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1019, USA.
Tyring
S K
SK
D017951:Antigen Presentation; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism*; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002455:Cell Division; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm